Fatema Al Rashdi’s story is one of perseverance, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Born into a loving and supportive family, Fatema’s upbringing was infused with the values of hard work and entrepreneurship. With a strong, nurturing mother and a father who exemplified the spirit of entrepreneurship despite lacking formal education, Fatema was inspired from a young age to follow in her father’s footsteps.
As a child, Fatema’s interests were far from ordinary. While other children played with dolls, Fatema was setting up a small supermarket for her friends and family. She wasn’t driven by money but by the sheer joy of creating something new and seeing it thrive. This early glimpse of entrepreneurship laid the foundation for her future endeavors.
Growing up with dreams of building her own company, Fatema’s aspirations only grew stronger over time. Even prestigious government positions couldn’t satisfy her entrepreneurial spirit. Her desire to innovate and bring new ideas to life under her own brand pushed her towards creating multiple successful ventures. Fatema credits her father’s dedication and risk-taking nature for shaping her belief that she could achieve anything she set her mind to.
But Fatema’s journey wasn’t just about inspiration—it was about action. She built a legacy that extended beyond her immediate goals. Fatema’s vision has always been centered on adding value, whether to her family, her businesses, or her country. She didn’t just want to be a business owner; she wanted to be a pioneer. Her focus on beauty is evident in her renowned Blonde Luxury Beauty Lounge, but her entrepreneurial spirit has led her to explore various industries, from fashion and perfume to cafes.
Before establishing Blonde Luxury Beauty Lounge, Fatema had already made her mark with a successful e-commerce business and a large supermarket in Sharjah.
However, her passion for the beauty industry pushed her to delve deeper, leading to the opening of one of Abu Dhabi’s top three salons within just a year of its launch. Fatema’s ability to identify gaps in the market and turn them into opportunities sets her apart. She was the first to introduce specialty coffee services in salons in Abu Dhabi, a move that required convincing the municipality of its importance for women who spend hours getting treatments.
Fatema’s journey is a testament to her belief that nothing is wasted. Her experience in government taught her the value of vision and initiative, but it also clarified her desire to create her own space where she could be more creative and take bold risks. This clarity led her to start multiple businesses, each driven by a vision of excellence and innovation.
Financial education played a crucial role in Fatema’s success. Understanding the importance of managing and investing money wisely, she learned that building a successful business requires both financial literacy and a determined mindset. Her recommendations, like The Richest Man in Babylon and Think and Grow Rich, reflect her belief that financial education is essential for anyone looking to succeed in business.
Despite her busy role, Fatema prioritizes self-love, believing that it’s the foundation of everything. She emphasizes the importance of taking care of one’s physical health, mind, soul, and heart. For her, self-love isn’t just about feeling good; it’s the energy that attracts positivity, success, and love from others.
As an inspirational founder and an Emirati woman, Fatema is proud of the progress Emirati women have made in every sector of the country. She sees Emirati Women’s Day as a celebration of these achievements and a reminder of the vital role women play in shaping the future of the UAE.
Fatema’s hope for the next generation of Emirati women is that they continue to build on the foundations laid by their predecessors and take the nation to even greater heights.
With more opportunities and tools at their disposal, she believes that the possibilities for Emirati women are limitless.
Fatema Al Rashdi’s story is one of resilience, vision, and empowerment. She has built a legacy that not only fulfills her passion but also contributes positively to others. Her journey serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and women everywhere, showing that with belief, determination, and the right support, anything is possible.
